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Child Custody

Child Custody and Visitation

A child caught between divorcing parents should not be treated like a financial asset or physical property to be divided. We are not talking about access to a safety deposit box or piece of furniture. We are discussing the future of a human being, and a defenseless one at that.

It is natural for parents to want to protect their children’s best interests. It has been our experience that child custody is often the most difficult area for divorcing parents to face. Kearney Baker can help you through this difficult time.

We Protect Your Rights

The family law courts have jurisdiction to make orders of custody or visitation for any child under the age of 18 years. California law encourages a kind of legal custody, called joint custody, giving both parents the right and responsibility for decisions about the child’s health, education, religious upbringing, and future welfare.

The court also rules on physical custody, granting one parent primary physical custody, and secondary custody to the other. These orders can take many forms depending on the needs of the children and parents. A common physical custody order is for the children to reside with one parent during the week, and spend alternating weekends with the other parent.

The court has continuing jurisdiction to modify custody orders as the circumstances of parents and children change. For instance, though the child does not have the right to decide with which parent to live, the court is likely to consider the child’s wishes, especially if the child is older.

Our many clients throughout Pasadena and eastern Los Angeles County know how closely Kearney Baker has dealt with the sensitive issues surrounding child custody for the past 25 years. Our lawyers will represent your interests, protect your rights, and do whatever is possible to arrive at a settlement that is fair for you and your family.

Preparation, Communication, and Education Are Key

In the heat of the moment, you may not know where to begin, when it comes to reaching a child custody agreement and deciding child visitation rights. We have seen first-hand how moving beyond emotions, toward consensus, can seem impossible. Do not worry. Our experienced family law attorneys will escort you through the process in a reassuring manner. We will calmly, carefully explain your rights, the applicable laws, and various legal procedures to you, so you are aware of the available options.

After you have stated your concerns and goals to us, we will relay your wishes to the court as eloquently as we know how. We are familiar with all types of custody and visitation issues. We can help you reach sound decisions on behalf of your children’s future, and your relationships with them.

You Talk, We Listen

We want to hear about your divorce and child custody issue. Call, fax, or e-mail us to arrange your initial consultation. Or use our convenient online consultation form.

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At Kearney & Baker, we have dedicated our careers to providing outstanding client service to men and women facing family law challenges, and we always endeavor to reach the best possible outcome for our clients, knowing they have entrusted us to do just that. Of course, there are typically multiple adverse parties in family law matters who often have conflicting goals, and it is both impossible and indeed unethical under the California Rules of Professional Conduct for an attorney to guarantee results in a given legal matter.

If you have a concern about a billing and/or services you have received, we would like to hear about it. While we do not provide refunds or discounts based on the outcome achieved in a particular representation, we strive for complete accuracy in our billing and efficiency in the work conducted on your behalf. If you believe a mistake has been made on your bill or are concerned about the services provided, please contact the primary attorney who represented you to discuss your concerns. All refunds must be approved by the primary attorney.